US Gen. Petraeus leaves Ankara

Meeting with Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu and Chief of General Staff Gen. Ilker Basbug yesterday, US Central Forces Commander Gen. David Petraeus discussed the Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan issues and cooperation in the fight against the terrorist PKK. Petraeus reportedly spoke about US soldiers' withdrawal from Iraq during the meeting, but did not make any official request of Turkey on this. Speaking at Esenboga Airport before leaving Ankara, Petraeus said that Turkey is a very important strategic ally for the US and that great progress has been made in the fight against the PKK. Petraeus added that he first visited Turkey 33 years ago and that he was very impressed by the gains it has made since then.